Activation pin

ABSTRACT

An activating pin which comprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it a channel, the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of said piston part, consisting of sectors, wherein in each sector the distance between the center point of the channel cross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channel is larger than the corresponding distance measured along the line separating the sector from an adjacent sector, and said valve part is positioned movably with respect to said piston part between a first valve position and a second valve position for enabling the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said second valve position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention concerns an activating pin for a valve connector forconnecting to inflation valves, the connector comprising a housing to beconnected to a pressure source, within the housing a coupling holehaving a central axis and an inner diameter approximately correspondingto the outer diameter of the inflation valve to which the valveconnector is to be connected, and a cylinder and means for conductinggaseous media between the cylinder and the pressure source, and whichactivating pin is arranged for engaging with a central spring-forceoperated core pin of the inflation valve, is arranged to be situatedwithin the housing in continuation of the coupling hole coaxially withthe central axis thereof and comprises a piston part with a piston,which piston is to be positioned in the cylinder movably between a firstpiston position and a second piston position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well-known from PCT/DK96/00055, now U.S. patent application Ser.No. 08/837,505, herein incorporated by reference, that an activating pinlocated within the coupling house can be designed as a piston equippedwith a suitable seal and a piston rod that is slidable in thecylinder-shaped coupling house. The piston can be held in a longitudinalposition against the cylinder valve without applying physical force sothat the piston automatically slides, after the valve connector isplaced on the inflation valve, by means of compressed air. Thiscompressed air comes from the pressure source such that the piston, inthe proximal position to the valve, (1) opens up the inner valve, (2)opens the air passage to the valve and, (3) tightens less than 100%against the cylinder wall while in the distal position from the valve.

FIG. 14 in PCT/DK96/00055 shows a valve (360) which must be closedagainst the piston control. The disadvantage is that the above-mentionedtwo seals must be operational at a certain section of the sliding. Thisrequires very accurate calibration of the cylinder wall and the pistonmovement. Furthermore, the piston has a precisely defined opening zoneand can thus only adjust itself to a minor extent to the tolerances ofthe pump valve in question.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 14, and 15 in PCT/DK96/00055 show various activatingpins equipped with a center blind drilling or a center drilling, sidedrillings and a V-shaped milling at the bottom which is perpendicular tothe center axial drilling of the piston. The effect of this is that moreforce than necessary has to be applied when pumping, especially at highair velocities.

FIG. 9 in PCT/DK96/00055 shows an activating pin which has a centerdrilling, side drillings and a V-shaped milling at the bottom. When thecoupling is connected to e.g. a high pressure pump with a built-in checkvalve, the spring keeps the valve of the activating pin in a closedposition after uncoupling of a Schrader valve. If a tire with aSclaverand valve has to be pumped immediately afterwards, one has toapply a large force to slide the activating pin which opens the innervalve of the Sclaverand valve. Air will escape and consequently thepumping time will be substantially longer if the tire has already beenpartly pumped. This last-mentioned problem also exists in theembodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 15 in PCT/DK96/00055.

THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to produce a reliable activatingpin which is: (1) inexpensive, (2) has low aerodynamic drag making itcomfortable to use for pumping purposes, and (3) provides the shortestpossible pumping time.

These tasks are solved by the invention where the activating pin furthercomprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it a channel,the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of said pistonpart, consisting of sectors, wherein in each sector the distance betweenthe center point of the channel cross-section and the outermost limitingsurface of the channel is larger than the corresponding distancemeasured along the line separating the sector from an adjacent sector,and said valve part is positioned movably with respect to said pistonpart between a first valve position and a second valve position forenabling the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through saidchannel when said valve part is in said first valve position, andinhibiting the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through saidchannel when said valve part is in said second valve position.

The channels are positioned in a mainly longitudinal direction inrelation to the center axis of the housing, and can be defined by atleast one cross section which approximately can be defined by at leastone curve. The curve is closed and can be defined by two unique modularparametrisation Fourier Series expansions, one for each co-ordinatefunction:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}\quad {c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}\quad {d_{p}{\sin ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}\quad {x}}}}$$d_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\sin ({px})}\quad {x}}}}$

 0≦x≦2π,xεR

p≧0,pεN

c_(p)=cos-weighted average values of f(x),

d_(p)=sin-weighted average values of f(x),

p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness

thereby resulting in a large flow cross section area. All kinds ofclosed curves can be described with this formula, e.g. a C-curve. Onecharacteristic of these curves is that when a line is drawn from themathematical pole which lies in the section plane it will intersect thecurve at least one time. A regular curve bounding a region which issymmetric with reference to at least one line which lies in the sectionplane through the mathematical pole can be defined by a single FourierSeries expansion:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}\quad {c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}\quad {x}}}}$

 0≦x≦2π,xεR

p≧0,pεN

c_(p)=weighted average values of f(x),

p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness.

When a line is drawn from the mathematical pole it will always intersectthe curve only one time. In order to minimize the aerodynamic frictionthe channels are positioned mainly parallel to the centerline of theactivating pin.

When the curves are approximately defined by the following formula, thecross section area of the channels is optimized by a certain given crosssection: e.g. a section which combines approximately laminar flow andwhich can guide a central piston valve rod. It is then also possible toobtain a contact area for a Schrader valve core. This means that abridge is unnecessary. In the following description, curves defined bythe formula have been given the name “flower-shaped”. The formula is:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}\quad {c_{p}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}}}}$where${f(x)} = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[{2m}]{{\sin^{2}\left( \frac{n}{2} \right)}x}}}$$c_{p} = {\frac{6}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{3}}{{f(x)}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}\quad {x}}}}$

 0≦x≦2π,xεR

p≦0,pεN

c_(p)=weighted average values of f(x),

p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness

and where this cross-section in polar co-ordinates approximately isrepresented by the following formula:$r = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[m]{{\sin \left( {\frac{n}{2}\quad \phi} \right)}}}}$

where

r₀≧0,

a≧0,

m≧0, mεR,

n≧0, nεR,

0≦φ≦2π,

and where

r=the limit of the “petals” in the circular cross section of theactivating pin,

r₀=the radius of the circular cross section around the axis of theactivating pin,

a=the scale factor for the length of the “petals”,

r_(max)=r₀+a,

m=the parameter for definition of the “petal” width,

n=the parameter for definition of the number of “petals”,

φ=the angle which bounds the curve.

Pursuant to the invention, an activating pin ensures a large flow crosssection which, by means of radial fins, also produces an approximatelylaminar flow which contributes to a reduced pressure drop during theflow. Similarly, the radial fins can control any centrally positionedvalve without blocking the air passage.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the piston rod is equipped withtwo blind drillings parallel to the center axis that reaches theactivating pin at both ends of the activating pin. The piston rod isalso equipped with a concentric valve made of an elastic material, e.g.a valve rubber used on a Dunlop-Woods valve and squeezed onto the pistonrod between e.g. its upper and lower part covering the radial drillingproximal to the pressure source. The radial drilling has an azimuthangle ∝ larger than or equal to 90° to the center axis of the piston,seen in the flow direction of the air at flow from the side of thepressure source. Furthermore, the distal radial drilling has an azimuthangle β larger than or equal to 90° to the distal center drilling of thepiston, seen in the flow direction of the air at flow from the side ofthe pressure source. To ensure an interaction between the piston and theinner valve in a Schrader valve, the radius r₀ in the distal blinddrilling is smaller than the radius r₀ of the proximal part of thecenter drilling. Due to evident arrangements in dimensioning theby-pass, the piston control is proximally equipped with longitudinal airducts and/or having a bigger diameter. Moreover, the side of the pistonis chamfered. If connected to e.g. a pump with a built-in check-valve,the connector needs to have an airing valve or a similar solution forproviding the shortest pumping time. This results in a reliableactivating pin because the pin valve works independently of the pistoncontrol fit and tolerances of the pump valves in question. It alsoresults in a pin with low aerodynamic drag, which is comfortable forpumping purposes and which is inexpensive to produce.

A second embodiment is an improvement of the first embodiment where thecoupling is connected to e.g. a high-pressure pump with a built-innon-return valve. A spring force being produced by means of thecombination of compressed air and the valve lever passing through thepiston in a eccentric position ensures the lowest possible pumping time.The effect of the eccentric valve lever is that the air pressure in thespace between the non-return valve of the pump and the activating pinbecomes equal to the pressure of the surroundings as the valve leveropens the above-mentioned space if a Schrader valve is disconnected. Itis thus always possible to couple a Sclaverand valve without airescaping from the tire. Alternatively, an airing valve which isconstantly shut could be established in the above-mentioned space whenthe connector is coupled to the valves or when the activating pintouches the core of the Schrader valve. This can take place if, forexample, the airing is shaped as a narrow channel at the pressurizedside of the activating pin relative to the distal end of it. In aspecial embodiment, it is proposed that the eccentric valve lever isintegrated in the piston valve which makes the activating pininexpensive to produce. The activating pin works independently of thepiston control fit.

A third embodiment comprises a similar combination to the one describedin the second embodiment, except here the activating pin has a centerdrilling. It is appropriate if the center drilling at each end expandsgradually by a circular cross section and has an angle γ or δ,respectively, with the center axis of the activating pin and each angleis larger than 0° and smaller than 20° (usually in the interval between6° and 12°). In an appropriate embodiment, the top of the piston of theactivating pin forms a valve seat for the valve (304). This results in alarge opening area created by a small movement of the eccentric valvelever. In a special embodiment it is suggested that the eccentric valvepin is loose in the piston and a stop device is used to stop itsmovement. The stop device is an integrated part of the piston valve andis resilient in relation to it. The piston valve rod has e.g. a“flower-shaped” cross section and the piston rod e.g. a circular crosssection, resulting in channels (321). The activating pin is veryreliable and inexpensive to produce. The air flow in the valve connectoris approximately laminar which ensures low aerodynamic drag so that itis comfortable when pumping even with (low pressure) pumps without anintegrated non-return valve. The improvement over the activating pinshown in FIG. 9 in PCT/DK96/00055 is considerable regarding reduction inpumping force and pumping time and is as good as e.g. the valveconnector of FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 6 and 7.

A fourth embodiment is an alternative to the third embodiment. As thepiston valve is rotating at an angle θ in relation to the top of thepiston, if activated by the eccentric valve pin, the rotation is limitedwith a stop device. The cross section of the piston rod can have twomain forms, according the specific formula each being “flower-shaped”with different parameters, both resulting in an approximately laminarflow. In a special embodiment, the radius r₀ is smaller than the radiusof the core of a Schrader valve while the air is flowing through thedistals of the “flower shaped” cross section. The eccentric valve leveris similar to the loose type of FIG. 5d, with the difference being thatthe top is rounded off. The characteristics of this model are almost inaccordance with those of the third embodiment.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the activating pin is designedas a piston with a piston rod that is slidable in the cylinder-shapedcoupling house. The activating pin has a center drilling with an axiallyslidable valve in the center drilling that is kept closed by a springwhere the center drilling of the activating pin has e.g. a“flower-shaped” cross section (FIG. 8.1) and the piston valve rod has acircular one resulting in a reliable control and efficient air passage.The center drilling at each end expands gradually by a circular crosssection. The walls of the gradual expansions form an angle ρ or φ,respectively, between 0° and 20° (usually in the interval between 6° and12°). The wall of the gradual expansion by the piston part of the centerdrilling forms a valve seat for the seal face of the valve. The sealface of the valve is pressed into the correct position by a spring, e.g.an elastic band. In a special embodiment, the sealing surface is a smallarea with an angle Ψ, in relation to the center axis, of approximately90°-150° (incl.) as seen in the flow direction of the air at flow fromthe side of the pressure source. This enables improved sealing. In aspecial embodiment, the valve is equipped with at least one fin or asimilar device, which fits on the top of the edge of a Dunlop-Woodsinner valve. It also fits either the top of the core of a Schradervalve, or the bridge of a Schrader valve without fitting the top of itscore, as the activating pin does. In the last mentioned embodiment, thefin is equipped with a device perpendicular to the fin. Furthermore, thecenter drilling in the last-mentioned embodiment can also be designed ina way that provides a favorable flow in the area around the fin of thepiston part. If e.g. combined with a pump with a built-in check-valve,the space between the connector and the check-valve need to have anairing or a similar solution. The activating pin is reliable, as itworks independent of the piston rod fit and the tolerances of the pumpvalves. It is inexpensive to produce and it gives a low pump force,specifically with pumps without a check-valve. It works independent ofpiston control fit or pump valve tolerances.

In a sixth embodiment of the invention, the activating pin has a centeraxial drilling with a valve that is axially slidable in the drilling andis kept closed by means of a spring. The valve and the spring are madeof one piece of deformable material. The axially slidable valve and thespring are partly formed by a conic section, with an apex angle (2ε),and partly formed by an approximately cylindrical section with a mainlycircular cross section. The spring is attached to the piston part of theactivating pin by means of a securing device. This is expedient if thewall of the center drilling in the activating pin is gradually expandedand has an angle η or ν, respectively, in relation to the center axis ofthe activating pin. Each angle is larger than 0° and smaller than 20°(usually in the interval between 6° and 12°). The wall of the gradualexpansion of the center drilling thus forms a valve seat for the sealface of the valve. The valve is pulled to the tightening position by thespring. In a special embodiment of the invention, the piston part isequipped with at least one fin or a similar device which fits on top ofthe core of a Schrader valve.

In another embodiment of the activating pin, the slidable valve has twocones resting upon each other. This turns the air flow around the valveand in the grooves into an approximately laminar flow. The piston valverod and the piston rod define e.g. a cylindrical channel, while the restof the piston rod has a “flower-shaped” cross section. The embodiment ofthe flow ensures low aerodynamic drag so that it is comfortable whenpumping even with low pressure pumps without an integrated non-returnvalve. In addition, the invention is inexpensive. It works independentlyof piston control fit and pump valve tolerances. In a specialembodiment, the sealing surface of the cones is a small area with anangle ξ in relation to the center axis of approximately 90°-150° (incl.)with the center axis as seen in the flow direction of the air at flowfrom the side of the pressure source. This enables improved sealing. Inthe case of combining this embodiment with pumps with an built-incheck-valve, the space between the connector and the check-valve needsto be equipped with airing or the like. Instead of air, (mixes of)gasses and/or liquids of any kind can activate and flow through andaround the embodiments of the activating pin. The invention can be usedin all types of valve connectors, where at least a Schrader valve or anyvalve with a spring operated core can be coupled, irrespective of themethod of coupling or the amount of coupling holes in the connector.Further, the invention can be coupled to any pressure sourceirrespective of whether or not there is a securing means in the valveconnector. Any possible combination of the embodiments shown in thespecification fall into the scope of the present invention. The variousembodiments described above are provided by way of illustration andshould not be constructed to limit the invention. Those skilled in theart will readily recognize various modifications and changes which maybe made to the present invention without strictly following theexemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein,and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention is described in detail by means of thepreferred embodiments of which the main construction elements are shownon the drawings. The following is shown on the drawing:

FIG. 1a shows an illustration of a channel's curve which is defined bytwo unique modular parametrisation Fourier Series expansions.

FIG. 1b shows an illustration of the mathematical model of the“flower-shaped” cross section.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the activating pin shown in a distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that canbe squeezed onto valves.

FIG. 2.1 shows an enlargement of the piston valve according to FIG. 2.The broken line drawing shows the valve when it is open.

FIG. 2.2 shows an enlargement of the embodiment of FIG. 2 where the sidedrilling is positioned distally in the piston rod together with a centerblind drilling.

FIG. 3a shows an enlargement of a further development of the secondembodiment of the activating pin where the valve in the activating pinis activated by the eccentric valve lever.

FIG. 3b shows the activating pin according to FIG. 3a where the valve inthe activating pin is kept closed by air pressure.

FIG. 3.1 shows section 3.1—3.1 of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3d shows the top of the piston and valve of the activating pinaccording to FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the activating pin in a distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that canbe squeezed onto valves.

FIG. 5a shows an enlargement of the activating pin according to FIG. 4.The valve of the activating pin is activated by the eccentric valvelever.

FIG. 5b shows the activating pin shown in FIG. 5a where the valve isshut by gas and/or liquid mix pressure.

FIG. 5.1 shows section 5.1—5.1 of FIG. 5a (the piston is not shown).

FIG. 5d shows an eccentric valve pin that is freely movable in thepiston of the activating pin.

FIG. 6a shows the fourth embodiment of an activating pin similar to FIG.5a, with a rotatable piston valve which is activated by the eccentricvalve pin.

FIG. 6b shows the activating pin according FIG. 6a, where the pistonvalve is closed by gas and/or liquid mix pressure.

FIG. 6.1 shows an end view 6.1—6.1 of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 6.2 shows cross section 6.2—6.2 of FIG. 6b.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention in a distal positionrelative to the pressure source for a valve connector that can besqueezed onto valves.

FIG. 8a shows an enlargement of the invention according to FIG. 7 wherethe valve in the activating pin is activated.

FIG. 8.1 shows section 8.1—8.1 of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 8c shows an enlargement of the invention according to FIG. 7 wherethe valve in the activating pin is kept closed by the spring.

FIG. 8d shows the embodiment according to FIG. 8c, with a differentsealing surface.

FIG. 9 shows the sixth embodiment of the invention in a distal positionrelative to the pressure source for a valve connector that can besqueezed onto valves.

FIG. 10a shows an enlargement of the embodiment of FIG. 9 where thevalve in the activating pin is in a closed position or activatedposition (broken lines).

FIG. 10.3 shows the top view 10.3—10.3 of the activating pin accordingto FIG. 10a with spring suspension and intake.

FIG. 10.1 shows a section after the line 10.1—10.1 in FIG. 10a.

FIG. 10.2 shows a section after the line 10.2—10.2 in FIG. 10a.

FIG. 11a shows the embodiment according to FIG. 10a, with a differentsealing surface.

FIG. 11b shows an enlargement of the sealing surface of the embodimentof FIG. 11a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1a shows a cross section of e.g. a piston rod 801 with a channel802. Its curve is defined by two unique modular parametrisation FourierSeries expansion.

FIG. 1b shows a mathematical model of the “flower-shaped” cross sectionthat provides a suitable approximation. The general formula for thiscross section is found above. In the model shown is:

r ₀≈0.4r_(max) , m=4 and n=6.

The change from a center drilling 303,410,533,653 to the circle sectionof expansions 312,313,411,412,538,539,658 can mathematically beexpressed by

r ₀ →r _(max)

under retention of the other parameters.

FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment with the piston 121 in its distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that issqueezed onto valves. The piston 121 has a piston rod 122 and isequipped with a center blind drilling 123 which branches into at leastone radial drilling 124. Both blind drillings 123,128 have e.g. a“flower-shaped” cross section, of which the radius r₀ of blind drilling123 is larger than radius r₀ of blind drilling 128. The proximal part ofdrilling 123 and the distal part of drilling 128 can be provided withgradual expansions (not shown), seen from the pressure source. Alsoshown is the piston ring 131.

FIG. 2.1 shows the radial drilling 124 which has an azimuth angle α tothe center axis 125 of the piston 121. The angle α is shown larger than90°. The radial drilling 124 leads to the underside of the valve 126.The valve 126 is shown in its open position by means of a broken line126 a. The valve 126 is fastened by being squeezed between e.g. theupper and lower part (not shown) of the piston rod.

FIG. 2.1 shows the radial drilling 127 which is open at an angle β tothe blind drilling 128. The angle β is shown larger than 90°. The radialdrilling 127 leads to e.g. a center blind drilling 128 at a distalposition on the piston rod 122.

FIG. 3a shows a further development of the activating pin shown in FIG.2. The axially movable piston valve 225 is shown in an activatedposition by operation of the eccentric valve lever 226 which isintegrated in the piston valve 225. The piston valve rod 227 has asealing surface 228 which is positioned at the end. This ensures thatthe piston valve 225 always opens up to make air flow possible, e.g.from the space between the non-return valve of a pump and the activatingpin to the surroundings, when a Schrader valve is uncoupled. The pistonrod 223 has a sealing 229 with a sealing surface 230. The piston valve225 has a sealing 238 with sealing surface 239 and the top of the piston222 has a sealing surface 240. The radius r₀ of drilling 248 is smallerthan radius r₀ of drilling 224. The air flows through the centerdrilling 224, which has a “flower-shaped” section, and around the pistonrod 227 which has a circular cross section resulting in channels 234(section 3.1—3.1) which form the center drilling 224. A stop device 231prevents the piston valve from being pulled out of the activating pin asit strokes against the piston rod 223. A radial drilling 247 ispositioned distally. The center axis 237 of the activating pin is alsoshown. The piston valve can have a gradual expansion (not shown)proximal to the pressure source.

FIG. 3b shows the activating pin according to FIG. 3a where the pistonvalve 225 is kept shut by air pressure. The valve function is fulfilledby the sealing 236 in full accordance with FIG. 2. The stop device 231has a stop surface 232 and the piston rod 223 has a stop surface 233.

FIG. 3.1 shows section 3.1—3.1 of the piston valve 223, which has a“flower-shaped” section, and the piston valve rod 227 which has acircular cross section resulting in air channel 234 in order to enable asuitable flow through the section with reliable guidance of the pistonvalve rod 227.

FIG. 3d shows a top view of the activating pin where the piston valverod 227 is hung in the shackle 235. The figure also shows the eccentricvalve pin 226 which is integrated into the piston valve 225 and which isa section of a cylinder surface. In an appropriate embodiment not shownthe valve pin is made by means of at least two legs that can be arrangedrotationally symmetric around the center axis 237 of the activating pin.The embodiments described in FIG. 3d are, of course, applicable inconnection with the other embodiments. Channel 242 is located betweenthe shackle 235, the piston valve 225.

FIG. 4 shows the third embodiment of the activating pin with the piston301 in its distal position relative to the pressure source in a couplinghouse of a valve connector that can be squeezed onto tire valves. Thepiston 301 has a piston rod 302 and a center drilling 303. Theactivating pin has a piston valve 304 and an eccentric valve pin 305.Also shown are the center axis 337 and piston ring 338.

FIG. 5a shows an enlargement of the activating pin of FIG. 4. Theaxially movable piston valve 304 is in activated position by theeccentric valve lever 305 and has a sealing 306 with a sealing surface307. The piston 301 has a sealing surface 309. The air flows through theproximally gradual expansion 310 of the center drilling 303 which e.ghas a “flower-shaped” section to the distally gradual expansion 311. Thewall 312,313 forms an angle γ or δ, respectively, with the center axis337 of the center drilling 303. These angles are each larger than 0° andsmaller than 20° and are usually in the interval between 6° and 12°.Both expansions 310,311 have an approximately circular section.Together, the “flower-shaped” cross-section of the piston valve rod 322defines air channels 321 which e.g. four can be used in order to get anapproximately laminar air flow. The stop 315 prevents the piston valve304 from being pulled out of the activating pin in cases where thecoupling is connected to a piston pump without a non-return valve. Thestop 315 is resiliently mounted by means of the bar 316 in the bottom317 of the piston valve rod 322. The cross section of this channelchanges constantly over its length. The activating pin has distally atleast one fin or a shackle 318 which is optimally shaped in terms of airflow. Channel 324 is defined by partly the inside and outside (seesection B-B) of the piston rod 302, and partly by bar 316. Channel 325is defined by piston rod 304, sealing 306 and the eccentric valve pin305.

FIG. 5b shows the activating pin according to FIG. 5a where the pistonvalve 304 is kept shut by air pressure. The stop device 315 has a stopsurface 319 and the stop surface 320 is a part of the piston rod 302.

FIG. 5. 1 shows a section 5.1—5.1 with the air channel 311 which has asuitable flow through the section area. Moreover, the stop device 315and the fin 318 are shown.

FIG. 5d shows the activating pin in an activated position with aneccentric valve pin 350 which is freely movable in the piston 301 of theactivating pin and on which the piston valve 353 presses at the top 351.The stop device 352 ensures that the valve pin does not fall through thepiston 301. In an appropriate embodiment not shown, the valve pin has atleast two legs which can be positioned rotationally and symmetricallyaround the center axis 337 of the activating pin. The valve pin can alsobe designed as the valve pin 226 shown in FIG. 3a. Embodiments describedin FIG. 5d are, of course, also applicable in connection with the otherembodiments.

FIG. 6a shows a fourth embodiment of the activating pin, which issimilar to the third embodiment, in a position where the piston valve401 is opened by the activated eccentric valve pin 402. The piston valve401 rotates over an angle θ from the center axis 403 of the activatingpin. The piston valve 401 rotates around an axis 404 which isperpendicular to the center axis 403. The rotation of the piston valve401 is limited by the stop device 405. The piston valve 401 has asealing 414 with a sealing surface 406, while the piston 407 has asealing surface 408. The rest of the activating pin is similar to FIG.5a, except for the piston rod 420 and the eccentric valve pin 402 whichhas a rounded top 421 as shown in FIG. 5d. The channel 422 is defined bythe piston valve 401, the sealing 414, the piston 407 and the eccentricvalve pin 402. The channel 423 is defined by the piston 407 and thepiston valve 401.

FIG. 6b shows the activating pin similar to FIG. 6a with the pistonvalve 401 shut. The piston rod 409 has different parameters for the“flower-shaped” cross section of the center drilling 418. Also here aretwo gradual expansions 410,419 and walls 411,412, respectively, withcharacteristics according to those of FIG. 5a: angles μ and κ inrelation to the center axis 403. The contact area 413 (see also FIG. 6b)of the activating pin with a Schrader valve has a cone shape. No bridgeis necessary, as r₀ is smaller than the diameter of the core of aSchrader valve.

FIG. 6.1 shows section 6.1—6.1 of FIG. 6a with fin 415 and opening 416.

FIG. 6.2 shows cross section 6.2—6.2 of FIG. 6b with the “flower-shaped”cross section of the piston rod 409 defining air channel 417. Also shownis a contact area 413 for engaging with the core of a Schrader valve.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment with the piston 531 in its distalposition relative to the pressure source in the coupling house of avalve connector that can be squeezed onto valves. The piston 531 has apiston rod 532 and is equipped with a center drilling 533.

FIG. 8a shows the activating pin in activated position where an axiallyslidable valve 534 has a seal face 535. The air flows through a proximal(to the pressure source) gradual expansion 536 of the center drilling533 and through the latter to the distal gradual expansion 537. The wall538,539 forms an angle ρ or φ, respectively, to the wall 540 of thecenter drilling 533. These are larger than 0° and smaller than 20°(usually in the interval between 6° and 12°). Both expansions 536,537have an approximately circular cross section distally from theconnection to the center drilling 533. Also shown are the center axis543 and the piston valve rod 544.

FIG. 8.1 shows the section 8.1—8.1 from FIG. 8a where the channel 533 isdefined by a “flower-shaped” cross section of the piston rod 532 and acircular cross section of the valve rod 544. Furthermore, a fin 542 isshown.

FIG. 8c shows the activating pin with a closed valve. The spring 541secured in the piston 531 is an elastic band which presses the axiallyslidable valve 534 down so that the seal face 535 of the valve ispressed against the wall 538 of the expansion 536. The seal face 535 canhave a similar sealing (not showed) with the wall 538 as showed in FIG.11a, 11 b.

FIG. 8d shows an improved sealing surface arrangement: sealing 550 withsurface 551 and piston rod 553 with sealing surface 552. Angle Ψ isbetween 90°-150° (incl.). The channel 546 is defined by the sealingsurfaces 551 and 552, when these are separated from each other.

FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment with the piston 651 in its distalposition relative to the pressure source in a coupling house of a valveconnector that can be squeezed onto valves. The piston 651 has a pistonrod 652 and is equipped with a center drilling 653.

FIG. 10a shows the activating pin in its closed position and itsactivated position (broken lines) where the axially slidable valve 654has a seal face 655. The air flows through the expansion 656 of thecenter drilling 653 and through the latter to the distal gradualexpansion 657 and the distal part of the piston rod with a“flower-shaped” cross section. The wall 658,659 forms an angle η or ν,respectively, to the wall 660 of the center drilling 653. These anglesare each larger than 0° and smaller than 20° (usually in the intervalbetween 6° and 12°). Both expansions 656,657 have an approximatelycircular cross section. The valve 654 has a spring part 661 secured in abrace 662. Distally, the activating pin has at least one fin or brace663. Furthermore, a cone 664 is shown.

FIG. 10.3 shows the top of the activating pin shown in FIG. 10a with thethree expansions 656 and braces 662. The braces serve as a securingdevice for the valve spring and the expansions 656 ensure a suitableflow cross section.

FIG. 10.1 shows the section 10.1—10.1 in FIG. 10a resulting in acylindrical air channel 653. A suitable flow cross section is alsoensured here.

FIG. 10.2 shows the section 10.2—10.2 in FIG. 10a. Internally, thissection of the piston rod 652 is “flower-shaped” to ensure a suitableflow cross section. Furthermore, a fin designed as a brace 663 is shown.Also shown is the channel 666 between the brace 663 and the piston rod652.

FIG. 11a shows an activating pin similar to the one of FIG. 10a, withthe sealing surface 704 of the cone 702 and the corresponding surface703 for the piston rod 701 having an angle ξ equal to or larger than 90°and less than approximately 150° with the center axis 665 seen in thedirection of the flow of the air at flow from the pressure source.Channel 705 is defined by the sealing surface 703 and 704, when theseare separated from each other.

What is claimed is:
 1. An activating pin for a valve connector forconnecting to inflation valves, the connector comprising a housing to beconnected to a pressure source, within the housing a coupling holehaving a central axis and an inner diameter approximately correspondingto the outer diameter of the inflation valve to which the valveconnector is to be connected, and a cylinder and means for conductinggaseous media between the cylinder and the pressure source, and whichactivating pin is arranged for engaging with a central spring-forceoperated valve lever of the inflation valve, is arranged to be situatedwithin the housing in continuation of the coupling hole coaxially withthe central axis thereof and comprises a piston part with a piston,which piston is to be positioned in the cylinder movably between a firstpiston position and a second piston position, wherein the activating pinfurther comprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it achannel, the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of saidpiston part, flower-shaped, consisting of essentially identical sectors,wherein in each sector the distance between the center point of thechannel cross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channelis larger than the corresponding distance measured along the lineseparating the sector from and adjacent sector, and said valve part ispositioned movably with respect to said piston part, between a firstvalve position and a second valve position for enabling the conductionof gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve partis in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction ofgaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part isin said second valve position.
 2. An activating pin according to claim 1in a valve connector for connecting to inflation valves, wherein saidpiston part comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the pistonis located at said first end, and said channel comprises a first blinddrilling in the longitudinal direction of said piston part at the firstend of said piston part, a first radial drilling connecting the blindend of said blind drilling to a first orifice at the surface of saidpiston part; and said valve part is an elastic member arranged to leaveopen said first orifice in said first valve position and to close saidfirst orifice in said second valve position.
 3. An activating pinaccording to claim 2 in a valve connector for connecting to inflationvalves, wherein said channel comprises a second blind drilling in thelongitudinal direction of said piston part at the second end of saidpiston part, a second radial drilling connecting the blind end of saidsecond blind drilling to a second orifice at the surface of said pistonpart.
 4. An activating pin according to claim 2 in a valve connector forconnecting to inflation valves, wherein the angle α between the axis ofsaid first blind drilling and the axis of said first radial drilling islarger than or equal to 90°.
 5. An activating pin according to claim 3in a valve connector for connecting to inflation valves, wherein theangle β between the axis of said second blind drilling and the axis ofsaid second radial drilling is larger than or equal to 90°.
 6. Anactivating pin according to claim 2 in a valve connector for connectingto inflation valves, wherein at least one of said first blind drillingand said second blind drilling has a larger cross section area at itsopen end than at its blind end.
 7. An activating pin according to claim1 in a valve connector for connecting to inflation valves, wherein saidpiston part comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the pistonis located at said first end and said channel has an opening at saidfirst end, and said valve part is arranged to rotate around a rotationalaxis mounted at said first end perpendicularly to the longitudinal axisof said piston part; wherein said first valve position corresponds tosaid valve part being rotated around said rotational axis to a positionwhere it leaves open said opening, and said second valve positioncorresponds to said valve part being rotated around said rotational axisto a position where it closes said opening.
 8. An activating pinaccording to claim 7 in a valve connector for connecting to inflationvalves, wherein it comprises means for driving said valve part into saidfirst valve position when the piston is in the first piston position. 9.An activating pin according to claim 7 in a valve connector forconnecting to inflation valves, wherein said channel comprises adrilling in the longitudinal direction of said piston part said drillinghaving a larger cross section area at least one open end than in themiddle point between its open ends.
 10. An activating pin according toclaim 1 in a valve connector for connecting to inflation valves, whereinsaid valve part is arranged to move in respect of said piston part inthe longitudinal direction of said piston part.
 11. An activating pinaccording to claim 10 in a valve connector for connecting to inflationvalves, wherein said piston part comprises a first end and a second end,wherein the piston is located at said first end, said channel comprisesa first channel portion and a second channel portion, both in thelongitudinal direction of said piston part and connected to each otherat a transition point, and said valve part comprises a valve rodarranged to move within said first channel portion and having a freeend; wherein said first valve position corresponds to said valve partbeing moved in the longitudinal direction of said piston part to aposition where the free end of said valve rod leaves open the transitionpoint between said first channel portion and said second channelportion, and said second valve position corresponds to said valve partbeing moved in the longitudinal direction of said piston part to aposition where the free end of said valve rod closes the transitionpoint between said first channel portion and said second channelportion.
 12. An activating pin according to claim 11 in a valveconnector for connecting to inflation valves, wherein at least one endof said first channel portion and said second channel portion has alarger cross section area at its other end than at its next end to saidtransition point.
 13. An activating pin according to claim 11 in a valveconnector for connecting to inflation valves, wherein it comprisesstopping means to limit the movement of said valve part in thelongitudinal direction of said piston part.
 14. An activating pinaccording to claim 10 in a valve connecter for connecting to inflationvalves, wherein said piston part comprises a first end and a second end,wherein the piston is located at said first end, said channel comprisesa drilling extending from said first end to said second end, the openingof said drilling at said first end being circular, and said valve partcomprises a valve rod with a channel positioned in the longitudinaldirection of said valve part, said valve rod arranged to move withinsaid drilling and a cylindrical valve sealing at one end of said valverod, the axis of said cylindrical valve sealing being in thelongitudinal direction of said piston part, said drilling and said valverod, and the outer diameter of said valve sealing being larger than thediameter of the circular opening of said drilling at said first end;wherein said first valve position corresponds to said valve part beingmoved in the longitudinal direction of said piston part to a positionwhere said valve sealing leaves open the circular opening of saiddrilling at said first end, and said second valve position correspondsto said valve part being moved in the longitudinal direction of saidpiston part to a position where said valve cap closes the circularopening of said drilling at said first end.
 15. An activating pinaccording to claim 14 in a valve connecter for connecting to inflationvalves, wherein it comprises means for driving said valve part into saidfirst valve position when the piston is in the first piston position.16. An activating pin according to claim 10 in a valve connecter forconnecting to inflation valves, wherein said piston part comprises afirst end and a second end, wherein the piston is located at said firstend, said channel comprises a drilling extending from said first end tosaid second end, wherein at a predetermined point between said first endand said second end said drilling has a circular cross section and formsa first sealing surface, and said valve part is arranged to move withinsaid drilling and comprises a conical second sealing surface, whereinsaid first valve position corresponds to said valve part being moved inthe longitudinal direction of said piston part to a position where itleaves a gap between said first sealing surface and said second sealingsurface, and said second valve position corresponds to said valve partbeing moved to the longitudinal direction of said piston part to aposition where said first sealing surface is pressed against said secondsealing surface.
 17. An activating pin according to claim 16 in a valveconnecter for connecting to inflation valves, wherein in said secondvalve position said valve part is closer to the second end of saidpiston part than in said first valve position, and the activating pincomprises an elastic member for driving said valve means into saidsecond position.
 18. An activating pin according to claim 16 in a valveconnecter for connecting to inflation valves, wherein in said firstvalve position said valve part is closer to the second end of saidpiston part than in said second valve position.
 19. The use of anactivating pin according to claim 1 in a valve connector for connectingto inflation valves.